John Ford (1894-1973) was an American director of Irish descent, a legendary figure of Hollywood's Golden Age and a master of the Western genre. His vast career produced masterpieces that defined the genre and influenced generations of filmmakers.

Among his masterpieces are: "Stagecoach," which launched John Wayne, "The Grapes of Wrath," "How Green Was My Valley," "The Searchers," and "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance."

His style was characterized by an epic vision, often set in the iconic landscapes of Monument Valley, exploring themes such as heroism, loyalty, and the construction of the American myth, often featuring his favored actor John Wayne. He holds the record for four Academy Awards for Best Director, a giant of cinema.